Enhanced pet bed system

ABSTRACT

An enhanced pet bed comprises an outer cover having an inner volume, and at least one stuff sack that is preferably porous, for placement within the inner volume of the outer cover. While the inner stuff sack may be filled with a wide variety of stuffing items, the stuff sack is preferably filled with a plurality of items supplied by the owner, and may preferably inherently include a scent that is desirable or comforting to the intended animal, e.g. the scent of a known person or animal. For embodiments having permeable stuff sacks, the entire stuff sack assembly may preferably be laundered, e.g. washed and dried, as a unit, i.e. with the stuffing retained. Since the enhanced pet beds are typically provided without stuffing, the intended waste footprint of the is purchased product is significantly less than that of a conventional bed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of pet beds. More particularly, theinvention relates to improved pet bed structures and processes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As noted in the 2007 edition of U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics, thereare currently more than 72 million pet dogs in the United States, andnearly 82 million pet cats. As of 2006, the same publication estimatedthat nearly half of pet owners considered their pets to be familymembers.

Pet owners often attempt to provide bedding for their pets, typicallycomprising some sort of upholstered cushion, either as a stand-alone petbed, or as a bed to be placed within a crate or basket structure.

Pets, such as domesticated dogs or cats, are often hesitant to accept anew pet bed, often because they desire to be as close as possible totheir human companions, or to other pets. Pets often prefer to jump upon familiar furniture and beds, rather than accept a new pet bed, whichdoes not have an imprint of their owner or of other animals within theirfamily. This anxiety for the intended pet is worsened when the pet iscoaxed away from prior accommodations, and is forced to accept their newpet bed.

Currently available pet beds typically comprise an outer fabric cover,and an inner mattress, such as comprising a cloth liner having stuffing,or a foam rubber cushion. The stuffing within the inner mattress maycomprise a wide variety of natural or synthetic material, such as butnot limited to cotton, cedar shavings, or foam rubber.

Such pet beds are typically sold as complete assemblies, often at a lowprice through big box stores or discount pet supply stores. Companiesthat manufacture such pet beds may typically manufacture and market avariety of sizes, e.g. for cats and/or small medium, and large dogs. Aswell, such companies may provide a variety of bed shapes, such as forsquare, rectangular and/or circular beds, and may even provide bedshapes that emulate human furniture, e.g. such as including bolsteredbacks or sides to look like an armchair or a couch.

Pet owners are often required to remove the outer cover for washing,particularly when the dog bed becomes extremely soiled and/or smellsbad.

While some stuffing that is provided within currently available pet bedsmay be somewhat cleanable, owners are often reluctant to even attempt tocompletely disassemble the bed and remove the stuffing or pad forcleaning, such as due to the unpleasantness of such a task, and theknowledge that an entire pet bed is often inexpensive and readilyavailable.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a bedding system that isreadily cleanable, without requiring removal of stuffing from the bed.The development of such a system would be a major technologicalbreakthrough. It would also be advantageous to provide a pet bed systemthat is more readily acceptable for the intended animal.

In contrast to domestic manufacturers of beds for people, that providereasonably conventional sizing, e.g. such as for twin/single;double/full, Queen, King, and California King size beds, there is noconsistent standardization between manufacturers of pet beds.

Since pet beds are not available in standard sizes, and are oftenmarketed and/or understood to be used for a limited time, owners willoften throw away the entire bed once the bed is unacceptably soiled ordamaged, resulting in a large volume and mass of discarded material thattypically ends up in a landfill.

While replacement covers for pet beds are available, such as throughInternet-based businesses, the cost is often as much or more than thecost of buying a new pet bed. As well, the lack of standard sizing inpet beds often results in replacement covers that don't fit well overthe inner mattress element.

Since conventional dog beds are sold as non-standard complete units, theowner is typically forced to launder the soiled cover as soon aspossible, which is inconvenient at best. If the pet is not required tobe confined for the time the cover is being laundered, the petowner/handler may at least have some time with which to clean andreinstall the cover. Often, such as during times of inclement weather,or at other times when the pet is required to be confined, there is analmost immediate need to provide a bed for the animal. Therefore, thetime to clean the cover becomes a major inconvenience, and may causeanxiety for the owner/handler as well as the animal.

Conventional inner covers are typically comprised of inexpensivematerials, and are prestuffed with a wide variety of materials, such aspolyester filling, kapok, cotton wadding, foam rubber, or expandedpolystyrene beads. Some inner covers are sealed or stitched shut,wherein there is no access to remove the stuffing. While someconventional inner covers may provide a zipper or other means by whichthe stuffing material was initially stuffed into the inner cover, thestuffing material is often not cleanable or serviceable.

It would therefore be further advantageous to provide a structure bywhich the internal stuffing is conveniently cleanable for the pet owner.The development of such a structure would constitute a significanttechnological advance.

In addition, it would be advantageous to provide a pet bed system thatminimizes waste volume of that is attributable the pet bed and/or thepet owner, such as by providing a mechanism that encourages reuse orupcycling of other items belonging to the owner that are otherwiseconsidered to be disposable. The development of such a system would helpto address the ecological concerns of our planet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An enhanced pet bed comprises an outer cover having a defined accessibleinner volume, and at least one enhanced stuff sack that is preferablyporous or otherwise permeable, e.g. comprising mesh fabric, forplacement within the inner volume of the outer cover. While the enhancedinner stuff sack may be filled with a wide variety of stuffing items,the stuff sack is preferably at least partially filled with a pluralityof items supplied by the owner or handler of the pet, such as but notlimited to clothing, blankets, pillows, and stuffed toys, which maypreferably inherently include a scent that is desirable or comforting tothe intended animal, e.g. the scent of a known person or animal. Theenhanced pet bed may preferably comprise non-gusseted or gussetedconstruction. For embodiments having permeable stuff sacks, such asfilled with owner-supplied clothes and blankets, the entire stuff sackassembly may preferably be laundered, e.g. washed and dried, as a unit,i.e. with the stuffing retained in situ. Since enhanced pet beds aretypically provided without stuffing, the size of the marketed product issignificantly less than that of a conventional pet bed, and as such, maybe economically distributed and sold though a wider variety of channels,and may be more easily purchased and transported by the consumer.Furthermore, the waste footprint of the purchased product issignificantly less than that of a conventional bed. In addition, sincethe use of existing clothing and bedding items is encouraged, the petowners typically stuff the enhanced stuff sack with items that wouldoften be discarded as well, thus upcycling (recycling without furtherprocessing), further reducing the resultant waste footprint, whilesimultaneously providing increased room within their living area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the acquisition of a conventional pet bed;

FIG. 2 is a schematic partial cutaway view of a conventional pet bed;

FIG. 3 shows a the removal of an outer cover of a conventional dog bedfor laundering;

FIG. 4 shows the reinstallation of a stuffed conventional Inner coverwithin a laundered conventional outer cover.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing the disposal of a conventionalpet bed;

FIG. 6 is an expanded schematic assembly view of an enhanced pet bed,using owner-supplied stuffing materials;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a process for assembling an enhanced pet bedhaving owner-supplied stuffing materials;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary assembled enhanced pet bedhaving non-gusseted construction;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary assembled enhanced pet bedhaving gusseted construction;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary permeable stuff sack foran enhanced pet bed having non-gusseted construction;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary permeable stuff sack foran enhanced pet bed having gusseted construction;

FIG. 12 is a partial cutaway view of an exemplary porous panel for apermeable stuff sack;

FIG. 13 is a partial cutaway view of an alternate exemplary embodimentof a porous panel for a permeable stuff sack;

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a process for servicing an enhanced pet bedhaving a stuffed enhanced stuff sack;

FIG. 15 is a partial cutaway view of a laundry wash cycle for a stuffedpermeable stuff sack;

FIG. 16 is a. partial cutaway view of a laundry spin cycle for a stuffedpermeable stuff sack;

FIG. 17 is a partial cutaway view of a laundry drying cycle for astuffed permeable stuff sack;

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary assembled enhanced petbed having a plurality of enhanced stuff sacks;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary assembled enhanced petbed having bolstered construction and filled a plurality of enhancedstuff sacks;

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary assembled enhanced petbed having pleated construction and filled a plurality of enhanced stuffsacks;

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary assembled enhanced petbed having tufted construction and filled a plurality of enhanced stuffsacks;

FIG. 22 shows a furniture cushion and an accessory having enhanced stuffsacks;

FIG. 23 shows an alternate embodiment of enhanced pet bed within avehicle;

FIG. 24 is an alternate embodiment of an enhanced pet bed having anintermediate protective cover;

FIG. 25 is an alternate embodiment of an enhanced pet bed having aprotective moisture-resistant layer located on the upper side of theenhanced stuff sack; and

FIG. 26 is an alternate embodiment of an enhanced pet bed having amoisture resistant layer located on the upper side of the enhanced stuffsack, and a moisture absorbent layer between the moisture resistantlayer and the upper panel of the outer duvet cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows the acquisition 10 of a conventional pet bed PB. Whileconventional pet beds PB may be purchased through a wide variety ofsources, such as through local pet stores, mail order catalogs, and/orInternet suppliers, an increasing number of such pet beds PB are oftensold through big box stores, e.g. Costco Wholesale Corporation, ofIssaquah, Wash., or discount pet supply stores, such as but not limitedto Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. of San Diego, Calif. or PetSmart, Inc. ofPhoenix, Ariz., which can sell pet beds inexpensively, due to theirpurchasing power, transportation costs, and business structures.

As seen in FIG. 1, pet owners or handlers USR typically use a motorvehicle V, having limited cargo space T, to visit a store S and purchasea conventional pet bed PB for their pet P.

FIG. 2 is a schematic partial cutaway view 20 of a conventional pet bedPB. An outer cover OC typically comprises upper and lower cloth panels,and may have non-gusseted or gusseted construction. The outer cover OCtypically comprises a mechanism OZ, such as a zipper, a fold of fabric,ties, a hoof and loop structure, or buttons and mating holes, foropening and closing the outer cover OC to gain access to the interior.The interior of the outer cover OC is then filled with stuffing ST, suchas but not limited polyester fill, kapok, cotton wadding, foam rubber,or expanded polystyrene beads. In some conventional pet beds PB, thestuffing ST may be stuffed within an inner cover IC, such as comprisingthin muslin fabric. While some inner covers IC may be fully sewn,preventing access to the stuffing ST, other inner covers may provide amechanism IZ for opening and closing the inner cover.

Pet beds PB often become soiled during even regular use, being subjectedto a wide variety of contaminants D, such as but not limited to any ofsoil, dirt, pet hair or fur, pet dander, dirt, grease, fleas, flea dirt,flea eggs, food, saliva, urine, and feces. This often requires that thepet owner or handler USR service the pet bed PB, such as at the veryleast to clean the exterior surface of the outer cover OC, e.g. such aswith a vacuum, an adhesive fabric roller, a dampened sponge, baby wipes,and/or a lint removal brush.

While minor cleaning may remedy a lightly soiled pet bed PB, morethorough cleaning is often required. FIG. 3 shows the removal 30 of anouter cover OC of a conventional pet bed PB for laundering. While theinner cover IC, and/or the stuffing ST of a conventional pet bed PB mayseparably be cleanable, owners are often reluctant to remove thestuffing ST and clean the inner cover IC or the stuffing ST, such as dueto any of their desire to avoid close contact with the associated dirtand stench D, their knowledge that an entire bed assembly PB may bepurchased inexpensively, and/or their concern that the stuffing ST maycome apart in the wash.

As most pet owners USR only possess the original outer cover OC for aparticular pet bed PB, the owners USR are typically forced to wash anddry the soiled outer cover as soon a possible, so the pet bed PB can bereused for the intended pet P. FIG. 4 shows the reinstallation 40 of astuffed conventional inner cover IC, which is often still soiled, withina laundered or spare conventional outer cover OC.

While some owners USRs may conceivably purchase a spare outer cover OCfor such use, such spare outer covers OC are often not as readilyavailable as an entire conventional pet bed PB, often cost as much ormore than an entire conventional pet bed PB, and are also often marketedthrough different sales channels, e.g. smaller businesses. Therefore,most owners USRs don't even consider looking for a replacement cover OC.As well, due to the lack of standardization between manufacturers,available replacement outer covers OC often do not fit correctly, andmany stores, particularly smaller stores, do not stock sufficientinventory to provide replacement outer covers OC for a wide variety ofpet bed sizes.

When a soiled stuffed inner cover IC is placed within a laundered orspare conventional outer cover OC, the owner's satisfaction is oftenshort lived, as a large portion of the soil and stench D has not beenremedied. The laundered or spare conventional outer cover OC isthereafter subjected to contamination from both sides, wherein the ownerUSR must then repeat the process before long. Furthermore, the stuffingST, as well as the inner cover IC, often degrades through use,particularly without cleaning.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram showing the disposal 60 of a conventionalpet bed PB. Rather than continually dealing with the spoiled pet bed PBwith such incomplete cleaning. Many owners USRs often decide tocompletely replace the entire conventional pet bed PB, while throwingaway the prior soiled pet bed PB. As seen in FIG. 5, an owner USR maytypically leave the entire soiled pet bed PB in or on their trash canGC, which is then picked up by a garbage truck GT, and is transported toa landfill LF, without recycling or reuse of any of portion of the petbed PB.

Enhanced Pet Bed System. FIG. 6 is an expanded schematic assembly viewof an exemplary enhanced pet bed system 100, such as comprising anenhanced pet bed kit 102, and using owner-supplied stuffing materials112. FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a process for assembling 120 anenhanced pet bed 100 having owner supplied stuffing materials 112.

As seen in FIG. 6, the exemplary enhanced pet be kit 102 comprises anenhanced stuff sack 104 and a pet bed duvet cover 108, wherein theenhanced stuff sack 104 is preferably sized to generally conform to theinterior volume 143 of the pet bed duvet cover 108. As also seen in FIG.6, the enhanced stuff sack 104 may be compactly packaged, such as withpackaging 106. The pet bed duvet cover 108 may similarly compactlypackaged, such as with packaging 110. The exemplary enhanced pet bed kit102 may be packaged separately, or may alternately packaged together,e.g. as a do-it-yourself (DIY) kit 102. The associated packaging 106and/or 110 may typically include labeling and/or instructions 107,111,or may include a web site and/or telephone contact number, that instructthe user USR how to best construct the enhanced pet bed 100, and/or howto service the enhanced pet bed 100.

The owner USR may stuff the enhanced stuff sack 104 with a wide varietyof stuffing 112, such as but not limited to clothes 112 a, blanketsand/or pillows 112 b, prior pet bed filler 112 c, stuffed animals 112 d,and/or new or used stuffing material 112 n. The process 120 ofassembling an enhanced pet bed 100 commences by providing 124, 126 thepet bed duvet cover 108 and enhanced stuff sack 104, such asindividually, or 122, as a packaged DIY kit 102.

The owner USR then provides 128 their own stuffing 112, which maypreferably comprise any of a wide variety of materials 112 that may becluttering up their residence, such as any old, outgrown, damaged orstained clothes 112 a, and/or blankets or pillows 112 b. The owner mayeven use prior pet bed filler 112 c, used stuffed animals 112 d such asbelong to the pet or a child, end/or new or used stuffing material 112n. The enhanced stuff sack 104 for the enhanced pet bed system 100preferably comprises one or more porous sections 146, e.g. 146 a or 146b (FIG. 8, FIG. 9), which allows cleaning of the stuffing materials 112.

The enhanced stuff sack 104 is then filled 130 with the suppliedmaterials 112, preferably full enough to generally conform the enhancedstuff sack 104 to the shape of the interior 143 of the pet bed duvetcover 108. As the top and bottom of the enhanced pet bed 100 isgenerally larger in size than the height, the enhanced stuff sack 104may preferably be stuffed to provide a generally convex shape on eitherthe top and/or bottom of the enhanced pet bed 100. Since the owner USRmay provide a wide variety of materials 112, e.g. 112 a-112 n, the ownermay preferably arrange the various materials 112 to provide soft or firmareas as desired, such as by using a non-homogeneous arrangement ofmaterials. For example, since many pets P prefer to nest within asleeping area, an owner USR may stuff a central region of the enhancedstuff sack with softer and/or more compressible materials 112, whereinthe pet P can settle comfortably and stay warm from the surroundinghigher regions of the enhanced pet bed 100. Similarly, for pets P thatprefer to a lumpy sleeping area, the owner USR may preferably arrangethe various materials 112 to provide a lumpy non-homogeneous profileacross the bed 100.

Once the enhanced stuff sack 104 is sufficiently full of material 112,the owner USR then closes 132 the enhanced stuff sack 104, inserts 134the closed filled enhanced stuff sack 104 within the interior volume 143(FIG. 8) of the pet bed duvet cover 108, and closes 136 the opening 142of the duvet cover 108. In some embodiments 100, the user USR may insert134 the empty enhanced stuff sack 104 within the interior volume 143 ofthe pet bed duvet cover 108 before filling 130 and closing 132. Once thebed 100 is filled 132 and closed 132,136, the bed may be placed 138 intoservice.

The use of existing owner-supplied materials 112 is preferablyencouraged, and is also desirable for the pets P. When the pet ownersUSR stuff at least a portion of the enhanced stuff sack 104 with items112 that would otherwise eventually be discarded, the owners USRtypically experience another advantage, that of increased room withintheir living area, such as regaining space within their closets,dressers, wardrobes, blanket chests and/or armoires. Furthermore, whenthe enhanced stuff sack 104 is at least partially stuffed with items 112that would otherwise eventually be discarded, those items 112 do nothave meet the same fate of conventional pet beds PB, i.e. sitting in alandfill LF, and are thus repurposed or upcycled, i.e. recycled withoutfurther processing, since they are transformed into something of greateruse and value, as material 112 within the enhanced pet bed 100.

While the many embodiments of the enhanced pet bed 100 are packaged tobe filled with owner-supplied stuffing 112, some alternate embodimentsof the enhanced pet bed 100 are provided as pre-stuffed assemblies 100,i.e. with stuffing 112, which still provide enhanced serviceability overconventional pet beds PB.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram 140 of an exemplary assembled enhanced petbed 100 a having non-gusseted construction. The exemplary non-gussetedenhanced stuff sack 104 a seen in FIG. 8 typically comprises an uppersection or panel 164 (FIG. 10) that is sewn or otherwise fastened abouta portion of it's periphery, e.g. three of four sides of a rectangularpanel 164, to a lower section or panel 166 (FIG. 10). The enhanced stuffsack 104 a also comprises a closure 144, such as but not limited to azipper, buttons, ties, or a hook and loop structure 144. The exemplarynon-gusseted duvet cover 108 a seen in FIG. 8 typically comprises anupper section or panel 146 a that is sewn or otherwise fastened about aportion of it's periphery, e.g. three of four sides of a rectangularpanel 146 a, to a lower section or panel 146 b. The pet bed duvet cover108 a also comprises a closure 142, such as but not limited to a zipper,buttons, ties, or a hook and loop structure 142.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram 150 of an exemplary assembled enhanced petbed 100 b having gusseted construction. The exemplary gusseted enhancedstuff sack 104 b seen in FIG. 9 typically comprises an upper section orpanel 164 (FIG. 11) that is sewn or otherwise fastened about a portionof it's periphery, e.g. three of four sides of a rectangular panel 164,to one or more side panels 172, which are sewn or otherwise fastened toa lower section or panel 166 (FIG. 11).

The enhanced stuff sack 104 b also comprises a closure 144, such as butnot limited to a zipper, a drawstring, buttons, ties, or a hook and loopstructure, e.g. Velcro™. The closure 144 may preferably be located atany spot on the panels 162,164, and/or 174, as desired, such as but notlimited to an upper edge, a middle region, or a lower edge of one of theside panels 174.

The exemplary gusseted duvet cover 108 b seen in FIG. 9 typicallycomprises an upper section or panel 146 a that is sewn or otherwisefastened about a portion of it's periphery, e.g. three of four sides ofa rectangular panel 146 a, to one or more side gusset panels 152, whichare sewn or otherwise fastened to a lower section or panel 146 b.

The gusseted pet bed duvet cover 108 b also comprises a closure 142,such as but not limited to a zipper, a drawstring, buttons, ties, or ahook and loop structure, e.g. Velcro™. The closure 142 may preferably belocated at any spot on the panels 146 a, 146 b, 152, as desired, such asbut not limited to an upper edge, a middle region, or a lower edge ofone of the side panels 152.

As seen in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the enhanced pet bed system 100, e.g. 100a, 100 b, may preferably be at least partially filled with user suppliedmaterials 112 that have a residual scent 114 of a person or animal thatis familiar to the intended pet P.

The enhanced stuff sack 104 for the enhanced pet bed system 100preferably comprises one or more porous sections 164,166, and or 172(FIG. 10, FIG. 11), wherein the stuffing materials 112 may be laundered,i.e. washed and dried, in situ.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram 160 of an exemplary permeable stuff sack104 a for an enhanced pet bed 100 a having non-gusseted construction.FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram 170 of an exemplary permeable stuff sack104 b for an enhanced pet bed 100 b having gusseted construction.

Enhanced stuff sacks 104 may be constructed in a wide variety of sizesand shapes. For example, enhanced stuff sacks 104 currently availablethrough Molly Mutt, LLC, of Emeryville, Calif., generally conform toduvet covers 108 having the following sizes:

-   -   Small (22″×27″×5″);    -   Medium/Large (27″×36″×5″);    -   Huge (36″×45″×5″);    -   Round (36″ Diameter×5″ high);    -   Square (20″×20″×5″); and    -   Round (20″D×5″ high).

As seen in FIG. 10, one or more panels 164 and/or 166, or at least aportion thereof, comprise a porous region, wherein the stuffingmaterials 112 may be laundered, i.e. washed and dried, in situ.Similarly as seen in FIG. 11, one or more panels 164,166 and/or 174, orat least a portion thereof, comprise such a porous region. For example,current embodiments of the enhanced stuff sacks 104 comprise a pluralityof mesh panels, such as but not limited to polyester or nylon meshmaterial 108, e.g. 108 a (FIG. 12), such as available through SeattleFabrics, Inc., of Seattle, Wash.

The porous panels 164,166 and or 172 allow liquids, e.g. water 266 (FIG.15) with detergent 264 (FIG. 15) for washing, clean water 266 (FIG. 16)for rinsing, and air 304 (FIG. 17) for drying, to pass through theenhanced stuff sack 104, as well as into and through the variousstuffing materials 112. One or more of the porous panels 164,166 and or172 may preferably be flexible and/or stretchable, such as to provide aconvex profile when stuffed, and/or to resist seam failure betweenpanels 164,166 and/or 174.

Permeable or Porous Materials for Enhanced Stuff Sacks. FIG. 12 is asimplified partial cutaway view of an exemplary porous material 180 afor one or more panels, e.g. 164,166 and/or 172 of an enhanced permeablestuff sack 104. As seen in FIG. 12, an exemplary mesh material 180 a maycomprise a series of threads, fibers or filaments 184 running in a firstdirection, and another series of threads, fibers or filaments 186running in a second direction, wherein the fibers provide a woven meshstructure, with holes or passages 182 defined between the intersectingfibers 184,186. The holes or passages 182 may increase in size when theenhanced stuff sack 104 is filled 130 (FIG. 7). As well, the holes orpassages 182 inherently allow liquids, e.g. water with detergent, rinsewater, and cool or heated air for drying, to pass through the enhancedstuff sack 104, as well as into and through the various stuffingmaterials 112. The size of the mesh 108 a may preferably be chosen toprovide adequate porosity for laundering, while suitably retaining thestuffing material 112.

FIG. 13 is a simplified partial cutaway view of an alternate exemplaryporous material 180 b for one or more panels, e.g. 164,166 and/or 172 ofan enhanced permeable stuff sack 104. As seen in FIG. 13, an poroussubstrate material 180 b may comprise a material substrate 194 havingholes 196 defined there through, such as formed as a feature of thematerial itself, or as holes that are cut or otherwise formed in thematerial 194. Passages 182 are therefore provided through the holes,which may increase in size when the enhanced stuff sack 104 is filled130 (FIG. 7). As well, the holes or passages 182 inherently allowliquids, e.g. water with detergent, rinse water, and cool or heated airfor drying, to pass through the enhanced stuff sack 104, as well as intoand through the various stuffing materials 112. The holes 196 maypreferably be sized to provide adequate porosity for laundering, whilesuitably retaining the stuffing material 112.

Associated Process for Servicing Enhanced Bedding System. FIG. 14 is aflow diagram of an exemplary process 200 for servicing an enhanced petbed 100 having an enhanced stuff sack 104. When the enhanced pet bed 100is determined by the owner USR to require at least some cleaning orreplacement of the current outer duvet cover 108, referred to herein asthe first cover 108, the owner USR may initiate or start 202 the process200, such as by removal 204 of the first cover 108. The user USR maythen launder 206, e.g. wash and dry, the first cover, such as to reuseor to store for future use. While the owner USR may already have decided222 that the stuffed stuff sack 104 requires cleaning, the owner maymake this determination 208 once the outer duvet cover 108 is removed.

If the owner determines 208 that the stuffed stuff sack 104 isacceptable 210 to use, the owner USR may then determine 212 if a secondreplacement cover 108 is available and desired to use. If so 218, theowner USR inserts 220 the stuffed stuff sack 104 into the extra duvetcover 108, and places the serviced pet bed 100 into service 250. If theowner USR determines or knows 212 that a second replacement cover 108 isnot available and desired to use 214, the owner USR typically completesthe laundering 206 of the first cover 108, inserts 216 the stuffed stuffsack 104 into the cleaned first duvet cover 108, and places the servicedpet bed 100 back into service 250.

If the owner determines 208 that the stuffed stuff sack 104 is notacceptable 222 to use, the owner USR may then determine 224 if it ispossible and/or desired 226 to launder the stuffed stuff sack 104, e.g.such as if the owner USR currently has access to a suitably sized washer262 (FIG. 15) and/or dryer 302 (FIG. 17). If the determination 224 ispositive 226, the owner may proceed to launder 228 the stuffed stuffsack 104 (either together with the outer cover 108 separate from theouter cover 108), and proceed to step 212 to insert the launderedstuffed stuff sack 104 back into an appropriate duvet cover 108 andplace the serviced pet bed 100 back into service 250.

If the determination 224 is negative 230, the owner USR typicallyempties 232 the filling 112, launders 236 the enhanced stuff sack 104,and launders 238 the filling 112, which may typically be performedtogether 234. Once laundered 236,238, the owner USR then restuffs 240the stuff sack 104 with the same stuffing, with more or less stuffing112, or different stuffing 112, as desired. For example, the owner USRmay determine that at least a portion of the prior stuffing 112 is toosoiled D to be reused 240, wherein the owner USR may replace those items112 with alternate stuffing 112. As well, the owner USR may decide torearrange the stuffing 112 to provide a softer or firmer pet bed 100.Once the stuff sack 104 is restuffed 240, the owner USR proceeds to step212, by inserting 216,220 the laundered stuffed stuff sack 104 back intoan appropriate duvet cover 108, and placing the serviced pet bed 100back into service 250.

FIG. 15 is a partial cutaway view of a laundry wash cycle 260 for astuffed permeable stuff sack 104. FIG. 16 is a partial cutaway view 280of a laundry rinse/spin cycle 280 for a stuffed permeable stuff sack104. FIG. 17 is a partial cutaway view of a laundry drying cycle 300 fora stuffed permeable stuff sack 104.

As seen in FIG. 15, an enhanced stuff sack 104 that is stuffed 130 withstuffing 112, e.g. owner-supplied materials 112, may be washed 228, suchas within a suitably sized washer 262. Detergent 264, which may alsocomprise any of fabric softener, bleach, and/or stain remover, iscontrollably mixed with water 266, as is known in the art. During thewash cycle 260, the water 266 and detergent 264 are able to pass throughthe passages 182 in the enhanced stuff sack 104, as well as into andthrough the stuffing 112, e.g. various owner supplied stuffing materials112.

As seen in FIG. 16, an enhanced stuff sack 104 that is stuffed 130 withstuffing 112, e.g. owner supplied materials 112, may also be rinsed 280,such as within the suitably sized washer 262. During the rinse cycle280, the rinse water 266 is able to pass through the passages 182 in theenhanced stuff sack 104, as well as into and through the stuffing 112,e.g. various owner supplied stuffing materials 112, such that thedetergent 264 and wash water 264,266, as well as remaining contaminantsD, are rinsed out.

As seen in FIG. 17, an enhanced stuff sack 104 that is stuffed 130 withstuffing 112, e.g. owner supplied materials 112, may also be dried 300,such as within a suitably sized dryer 302. During drying, the air 304 isable to pass through the passages 182 in the enhanced stuff sack 104, aswell as through the stuffing 112, e.g. various owner supplied stuffingmaterials 112, such that the stuffing 112 is dried in situ, whilestuffed within the enhanced stuff sack 104.

Modular Embodiments of Enhanced Bedding System. FIG. 18 is a schematicdiagram 320 of an exemplary assembled enhanced pet bed 100 c having aplurality of enhanced stuff sacks 104. Square or rectangular enhanceddog beds 100, e.g. 100 c, typically have a characteristic length 322,width 324, and height 326. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram 340 of anexemplary assembled enhanced pet bed 100 d having bolstered construction342 and filled a plurality of enhanced stuff sacks 104. As seen in FIG.18 and FIG. 19, the interior volume 143 of an outer pet bed duvet cover108, e.g. 108 c, 108 d, may preferably be filled with a plurality ofenhanced stuff sacks 104. While the shape of the enhanced stuff sacks104 shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 as generally a rectangular cube thatruns throughout the length 322 of a duvet cover 108, the stuff sacks 104may comprise one or more different shapes and lengths, such as to filldifferent regions within an associated duvet cover 108. In someembodiments of the enhanced pet bed system 100, a plurality of enhancedstuff sacks 104 allows easier laundering of the stuffed stuff sacks 104,such as to fit within a washer 262 and/or dryer 302 that is notsufficiently large for a single large stuffed stuff sack 104. As well,embodiments having a plurality of enhanced stuff sacks 104 allow theuser USR to separably launder one or more sacks as desired, e.g. such asone stuffed stuff sack 104 that has absorbed urine D through the duvetcover 108.

As seen in FIG. 19, an outer duvet cover 108 d that includes one or morebolster regions 342 may preferably be filled with a plurality ofenhanced stuff sacks 104, even within the bolster region 342 itself. Theouter duvet cover 108 d seen in FIG. 9 may include a single inner volume143, such as with one or more closures 142, or may include one or moredefined, partition volumes 143, such as with separate closures 142 thatprovide access for stuff sack, installation, inspection, and removal.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram 360 of an exemplary assembled enhancedpet bed 100 e having pleated construction and filled a plurality ofenhanced stuff sacks 104. For example, pleats 364 may preferably beformed, such as by one or more seams 362, wherein partitions are formedwithin the interior 143 of the duvet cover 108 e. such as for any ofexterior design or controlled interior spacing for a plurality ofenhanced stuff sacks 104.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram 380 of an exemplary assembled enhancedpet bed 100 f having tufted or quilted construction and filled aplurality of enhanced stuff sacks 104. For example, the addition of oneor more buttons 382 may preferably provide connections between the upperpanel 146 a and the lower panel 146 b of the outer duvet cover 108 f,wherein partitions are formed within the interior 143 of the duvet cover108 f, such as for any of exterior design or controlled interior spacingfor a plurality of enhanced stuff sacks 104.

While the enhanced pet bed system 100 and methods of use are describedherein in connection with pet beds 100, the permeable stuff sack 104 isnot necessarily limited to a providing a formed cushion for a pet bed100, such as for a dog or cat, but can also be used for a wide varietyof upholstered items such as for furniture cushions, throw pillows,and/or casual or temporary seating.

FIG. 22 is a schematic depiction 400 of a furniture cushion 100 g and anaccessory 100 h, e.g. a throw pillow 100 h, having enhanced stuff sacks104. While the exemplary enhanced pet bed system 100 disclosed hereinhas been described primary as a pet bed system 100, the uniquestructures and inherent ecological advantages can similarly be employedfor a wide variety of applications, such as comprising all or part ofhuman-based furniture structures or accessories. While FIG. 22 shows acushion 100 g and accessory 100 h for a somewhat conventional piece offurniture 402, similar structures may suitably provide utility for usersUSR, such as but not limited to temporary cushions for portable living,recreation, e.g. hiking or bike touring, and/or for emergencyaccommodations, wherein the user USR may readily use the enhanced stuffsacks 104 to store any stuffing 112, e.g. such as clean and/or dirtylaundry, while also using the enhanced stuff sack within a cover 108 forsitting or sleeping.

FIG. 23 shows 420 an alternate embodiment of enhanced pet bed 100 iwithin a vehicle V, such as within a cargo area CA or passenger area PA.As seen in FIG. 23, the enhanced pet bed system 100 may readily beadapted to provide enhanced functionality, wherein the outer cover 108further comprises an extended section 402, that provides protection forthe vehicle V as the pet enters or exits the vehicle V, such as bycovering the bumper B. While the extended section 402 may comprise asimilar material to the other panels of the outer cover 108, theextended section 402 may alternately comprise a different material orsubstrate, such as to aid in traction for the pet P. As also seen inFIG. 23, the extended section 402 may additionally comprise a means 404for connection to the vehicle V, such as grommet holes 404 that mate tocorresponding accessory hooks H in the vehicle V. The grommets 404 maypreferably store the extended section 402 upward when not used foringress or egress, while also protecting the interior panels, seats orupholstery INT from damage caused by the pet P, or accumulation of pethair and/or contamination D, while being transported or parked.

While many embodiments of the enhanced pet bed 100 may initially beconstructed, such as by the owner or handler USR, to includeuser-supplied materials 112 that may preferably also include a scent 114of a person or animal that is familiar to the intended pet P, it mayalso be beneficial to provide a protective layer, such as a moisturebarrier, between the outer duvet cover 108 and the enhanced stuff sack104, such to prevent absorption of urine and/or other liquids D that thepet P may track in, such as water or mud, e.g. during times of inclementweather. Based upon any of age, behavior, training, or health, manyanimals may accidentally or intentionally urinate on their own pet bedor on a pet bed designated for another pet P.

FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration 440 of an alternate embodiment of anenhanced pet bed 100 j having an intermediate moisture resistant cover442, such as but not limited to a water resistant fabric cover having azipped closure, or a petLINENS™ waterproof/breathable cover, such asavailable through Domesticated Designs LLC, of Orinda, Calif.

FIG. 25 is a schematic illustration 460 of an enhanced pet bed 100 khaving a moisture resistant layer 462 generally located between theupper panel 164 of the enhanced stuff sack 104 and the upper panel 146 aof the outer duvet cover 108. In the exemplary embodiment seen in FIG.25, the moisture resistant layer 462 comprises a mechanism 464 forattaching or otherwise positioning the moisture resistant layer 462 asdesired within the interior 143 of the outer duvet cover 104. Forexample, the attachment mechanism 464 may comprise any of one or moreelastic bands that stretch around the enhanced stuff sack 104 or aroundopposing corners of the enhanced stuff sack 104. As well, the attachmentmechanism 464 may alternately comprise an elastic band sewn or otherwiseattached the periphery of the moisture resistant layer 462, wherein themoisture barrier 462 may be tucked around the enhanced stuff sack 104.

FIG. 26 is an alternate embodiment of an enhanced pet bed 100 m having amoisture resistant layer 462 located on the upper side 164 of theenhanced stuff sack 104, and an absorbent layer 482 between the moistureresistant layer and the upper panel of the outer duvet cover 104,wherein the absorbent layer may be disposable, or may be launderable,such as within the same washer or dryer load as other components of theenhanced pet bed 100 m.

Although the enhanced pet bed system and methods of use are describedherein in connection with pet beds for a residential environment, thestructures and techniques can be implemented for a wide variety ofapplications and environments, or any combination thereof, as desired.

For example, an alternate pet bed system can be provided for vehicular,portable and/or transient environments. For instance, a portable pet bedcan readily be made for either the owners or their pets, using anycombination of common items, such as but not limited to the user's cleanor dirty laundry.

Accordingly, although the invention has been described in detail withreference to a particular preferred embodiment, persons possessingordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains willappreciate that various modifications and enhancements may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.

1. A pet bed structure, comprising: an outer cover having a coverclosure and a defined inner volume; and an inner stuff sack that islocatable within the inner volume of the outer cover, wherein the innerstuff sack comprises one or more panels of porous material that definean inner stuffing volume, and a sack closure for any of adding orremoving stuffing to the inner stuffing volume; wherein the outer coveris removable from the inner stuff sack; wherein the inner stuff sackallows laundering of both the inner stuff sack and the stuffing when thestuffing is located within the inner stuff sack.
 2. The pet bedstructure of claim 1, wherein at least one of the panels comprises anyof nylon or polyester.
 3. The pet bed structure of claim 1, wherein theporous material comprises a mesh.
 4. The pet bed structure of claim 1,wherein the cover closure of the outer cover comprises any of a zipper,buttons, ties, and an opposing hook and loop structure.
 5. The pet bedstructure of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the outer cover isany of stain resistant, moisture resistant, or waterproof.
 6. The petbed structure of claim 1, further comprising: stuffing material locatedwithin the inner stuff sack assembly.
 7. The pet bed structure of claim6, wherein the stuffing material comprises any of clothes, blankets,stuffed toys, pillows, or polyester fill.
 8. The pet bed structure ofclaim 6, wherein at least a portion of the stuffing material is chosento further comprise a scent that is familiar to the intended pet.
 9. Thepet bed structure of claim 8, wherein the scent comprises any of a scentof a person that is known to the intended pet, or a scent of anotheranimal that is known to the intended pet.
 10. The pet bed structure ofclaim 1, further comprising: one or more protective layers between atleast a portion of the inner stuff sack and at least a portion of theouter cover, wherein the protective layer comprises any ofmoisture-resistant layer, a waterproof layer, and an absorbent layer.11. A pet bed structure that is locatable within an inner volume of anouter cover, wherein the pet bed structure comprises: a stuff sack covercomprising one or more panels of porous material that define an innerstuffing volume; and a sack closure for any of adding or removingstuffing to the inner stuffing volume; wherein the porous stuff sackallows laundering of both the porous stuff sack and the stuffing whenthe stuffing is located within the inner stuff sack.
 12. The pet bedstructure of claim 11, wherein at least one of the panels comprises anyof nylon or polyester.
 13. The pet bed structure of claim 11, whereinthe porous material comprises a mesh.
 14. The pet bed structure of claim11, wherein the closure comprises any of a zipper, buttons, ties, or anopposing hook and loop structure.
 15. The pet bed structure of claim 11,further comprising: stuffing material located within the interiorvolume.
 16. The pet bed structure of claim 15, wherein the stuffingmaterial comprises any of clothes, blankets, pillows, stuffed toys,pillows, or poly fill.
 17. The pet bed structure of claim 15, wherein atleast a portion of the stuffing material is chosen to further comprise ascent that is familiar to the intended pet.
 18. The pet bed structure ofclaim 17, wherein the scent comprises any of a scent of a person that isknown to the intended pet, or a scent of another animal that is known tothe intended pet.
 19. The pet bed structure of claim 11, furthercomprising: a first protective layer that is attachable to the stuffsack cover, wherein the protective layer comprises any ofmoisture-resistant layer or a waterproof layer.
 20. The pet bedstructure of claim 19, further comprising: a second protective layerthat is attachable to the first protective layer, wherein the secondprotective layer comprises an absorbent layer.